Payout method for game of chance

ABSTRACT

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based game of chance, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play, with said game having means to share game winnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his or her discretion, with said format means comprising a computer based program that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion of the winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

In the gambling industry, there are a myriad of games that can beplayed, each with different betting formats and differential payouts.However, in each such game, the ultimate goal is to win a monetaryamount or prize for any given game. Often, the winnings are paid out invarious modes, some by cash, others by credits or vouchers, and othersby physical objects as prizes. In any given game, there is always a goalto maximize one's winnings and in most circumstances, such winnings aretaxable as in any business transaction.

As a matter of background, in circumstances where an individual desiresto play a game of chance at a computer based game setting at a localizedgame station, it is important to understand the dynamics of betting withany game. It is to be understood that on-line linked interstate gamblingis not yet fully sanctioned and that gambling on-line is in itsembryonic stage for a much larger sanctioned participation under certainconditions, and the format methodology herein may be applicable to such.

With this background, there are known and established methods forplaying a game on the Internet at casinos or at game stations, and soforth, involving betting modes. In these formats, there is usually aportrayal on a computer generated display screen of a of the game formatdepending on the type of game played. Such formats and game methodologycan be applied to almost any type of game, including card games, slotmachines and the like.

Also, in a general context, games of chance where players play, thehouse may be at a pay-out advantage since the pay-out schedule is suchthat any pay-outs are not compatible with true probability factors.Additionally, no known means exist in this regard relative to deployinga methodology for allowing a player to elect to share his winnings witha charitable organization or other organization. Additionally, in thiscontext, it is desirable and ethical, to reveal in certain play modesprobability factors or odds of obtaining a winning hand or certain typesof hands in a given game of chance. No such games are known to bestructured in game play or in Internet or other virtual means to setforth the same, and there is need for such presentation and promulgationof the probability factors. In fact, it is foreseeable that governmentalbodies may soon require such probability data to be made available ingame formats as a condition of governmental sanction at all levels ofgovernment. Moreover, in any type of financial transactions, there areno formats for players to donate or allocate p portion of his or herearnings or monies involved in a financial transaction to a charity orother organization or even allow a participant in the transaction toallocate a part of the monies or received or paid to a governmentalentity for credit on taxes due or to be due in the future.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for acomputer-based game of chance, such games being available on theInternet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwisebased for access to play, with said game having means to share gamewinnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his orher discretion, with said format means comprising a computer basedprogram that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion ofthe winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization.Additionally or alternately the program permits a method of allocating aportion of any sum of money from any type of financial transaction as anindividual elects to charity.

According to the present invention, the subject invention is a methodand apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique bettingformat and betting payout. The unique betting format adapts itself to adifferential format of betting with several different winnings payoutbetting formats, with the object of this gaming method to provideplayers in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide abetting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given gameof chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payoutamount to a charitable organization or other entity or individual, andto this end, the game software will be supplemental with programmingsoftware, interfaced to the main game software that provides means toactivate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a designatedcharity, entity or individual. This method can be used in conjunctionwith any business or financial transaction wherein the transactioninvolves the payment or interchange of funds.

In view of the foregoing, the following are objects of the subjectinvention.

It is an object of the subject system to provide means to facilitate afair and equitable method of allocating earnings in a game of chance toa charitable organization or other types of organizations;

It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improvedmeans to maximize the equities in the play of casino game or games ofchance;

A further object of the subject invention is to provide an improvedmethod to provide on-line games, including means to allocate earnings toa charity or other organization as designated by a player from agiven-list, or other entities;

Yet another aspect of the subject invention is to provide an improvedsystem for competitive card game play using existing computer-basedon-line means with pre-formatted on-line games or other games to allowthe player to elect to share earnings with a charity or otherorganization as the player elects;

Moreover, it is an object of this invention to provide a means that canbe used on the Internet to provide on-line competitive games in which aportion of the earnings are allocated to a charity designated by aplayer, or one from a list provided by the game sponsor or owner;

It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improvedon-line system for a competitive game or other similar card gamesutilizing a generated game format at a game station to designate acharity to share any winnings of a player;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved methodfor providing linked on-line game in which the player will be able toallocate a portion of the earnings to a charity or other organization;

Still another object is to provide computer based methodology combinedto provide a novel way to share earnings in a game of chance;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide means ormethodology to permit an individual involved in any financial ormonetary transaction as a recipient or payer of funds to allocate suchfunds to an organization or charity;

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a computergenerated game format that is equitable to the individual player andprovides some means to apprise the player of the odds of winning in anygame situation;

Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparentfrom reading the description taken in conjunction with the claims.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart for a computer based program demonstrating all ofthe process steps which are utilized to generate the objects of thesubject invention in a game of chance.

SUMMARY OF GENERAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE SUBJECT INVENTION

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for acomputer-based game of chance, such games being available on theInternet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwisebased for access to play, with said game having means to share gamewinnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his orher discretion, with said format means comprising a computer basedprogram that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion ofthe winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization.Additionally or alternately the program permits a method of allocating aportion of any sum of money from any type of financial transaction as anindividual elects to charity.

According to the present invention, the subject invention is a methodand apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique bettingformat and betting payout. The unique betting format adapts itself to adifferential format of betting with several different winnings payoutbetting formats, with the object of this gaming method to provideplayers in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide abetting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given gameof chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payoutamount to a charitable organization or other entity or individual, andto this end, the game software will be supplemental with programmingsoftware, interfaced to the main game software that provides means toactivate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a designatedcharity, entity or individual. This method can be used in conjunctionwith any business or financial transaction wherein the transactioninvolves the payment or interchange of funds.

In this invention, the object of this gaming method is to provide meansto allow players in a multi-player game or a single player format toprovide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout or hasresidual credits left on the machine elects to share any resultantproceeds on a given game of chance, is given the option of divert all orpart of the remaining credits or part of the payout amount to acharitable organization of other entity or person, and to this end, thegame software will be supplemental to the game programming software,annexed to and interfaced to the main game software and provide means toactivate a partial or whole payout of any earnings to a select charityor other person or entity.

The subject invention is generally based on an electronic based game ofchance comprising means to permit a player to share any earnings with acharitable group, using various based selection means to choose acharity to participate in such earnings. In the subject gameprogramming, based on a specific format, the following general steps areinvolved in one of several embodiments of the steps designated below:

a. Initially the participating players or player deposits money orcredits to play the game, that is to start the game, which is governedby a master game play program, or

b. As an additional step in the computer program for the subject game ofchance, a supplemental computer program, as incorporated in the CentralProcessing Unit is provided with a supplemental program listing variouscharitable groups or other organizations that may be the object ofshared earnings from which earnings the player selects which charity orother organization to any shared earnings are directed.

c. Alternately, the next step in the program sequence is the game playerselects a charity or other organization to which any earnings are to beshared or directed by selecting on the same console.

d. The next step is for the player to select a percentage of theearnings to be allocated to a charity or other organization by signalingon the console means to determine what percentage is given to a charity.

e. At this point the program may generate a standard or automaticdisplay amount shown on a visual indicator on the screen, along with thecharity, with a display indicating the amount, percentage that will beallocated to a charity or other organization.

f. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the abovementioned requirements, then the game progresses to the next game levelsas the main game program dictates.

g. At a point in the games whereby any winnings are promulgated, thesupplementary program, based on the percentage selected by the play willsignify earning amounts diverted to the charity or other organization.

h. The ensuing step in the program sequence, the remaining share ofwinnings of the play and amounts paid to the player will be by cash,credits, or other means.

i The actual player may cash out his winnings on the game or elect toretain a credit for further game play.

j. The supplemental computer program will then generate a record of theshared earnings for the designated charity or other organization to bepaid.

k. The computer format will reveal a share and information that willdetail credit to chances of the name of the charity, and provide aprintout as a receipt to the player.

In the above perspective, areas of the virtual board layout on thedisplay screen of the game console comprise predetermined areas thatwill display such payment and charity information or other organizationinformation.

Moreover, the subject invention may also include a menu and format fordetermining whether the player electing to share his earnings, byaccompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game inreal time between actual players participating separately from differentsites, or playing such games as the only actual player against the houseso that each separate player can designate an organization for receivingall or part of any earnings either separately and/or confidentially.

In the main or specifically directed game format and for other gameformats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics couldoptionally apply:

1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice froma menu of various organizations displayed on the screen, with each gameformat menu setting forth instructions to enable the participant toselect a particular organization.

2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable,which is the program which may be designated as R (for a file number ona particular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memory,by which a player will be identified by such code and wherein such codewill provide access to potential credit on any game, and which code mayincorporate memory elements for the pre-designated organization, and apre-determined percentage of all game winnings to be allocated to suchorganization for such individual until another variable is entered orthe processing program is exited or erased for that participant. Thepersistence of this code R permits an individual participant to continueplay of one or more games and be provided quick eligibility or credit,in some circumstances, to gain access to an on-line game, once sopreviously registered, with a pre-played game preference ready at handat the participant's discretion, and as stated, along with his or hercharitable designation and fixed percentage. This variable serves as abase for all future Internet or game site gameplay for eachparticipating client, including for such new client all documentedinformation ready at hand in the software program with the headings anddesignation of the client's history and game preferences, as well asbetting preference and charity preferences. In some instances certainincentives may optionally be made available to a previous player for hisor her total history of participation, or maintained for overallcomparison of winning percentages compared to other participants, asseen in video game play in some circumstances.

The program could also optionally incorporate a database for a multiplenumber of game categories which can instantly be displayed to give theplayer an overview of games that are available in the system, along withthe probability factors involved with each game.

The supplemental program can also incorporate means to not only allocatefunds to a given charity, it may also include sharing arrangement forschools, other entities or individuals. Thus, a player may know of animpoverished individual and family he may want to help financiallywithout disclosure of identity or otherwise.

A given game program could optionally track the participants play, andmay be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage of thegame as to chance or chances of and/or other probability factors, andother relevant probability data to determine his or her chances ofprevailing hand or continued play, however, such probability factorswould not be based on the particular game of chance the player elects toplay.

Another embodiment of the invention may be at the inception of a gameentry, the program creates additional files in addition to the database,to generate at the participants request the rules and instruction forany type of game play, so that a player who may elect to play differentgames, will be able to peruse a display for any given game all theapplicable rules, procedures, and odds for a given game play. It isanticipated in this latter regard that eventually governmentalregulations will require the display of rules, procedures, and bettingodds as to all Internet and game station play. The software programcould automatically display such data for a minimum time period and theparticipant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she has readthe instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestall gameplay until such instructions and probability schedules for a given gameare read and indicated so in the programming format.

In all games that are fair, there are reciprocal opportunities, oradvantages, for both a player and an opponent. However, this concept isnovel in that the player is given a unique advantage early in the gameto understand the rules and risks, and this advantage gives the playeran intelligent perspective on the game play. Then later in the game, theplayer is also granted a unique advantage which gives the player theongoing odds or probability of prevailing as the game play progresses.As will be shown, this method provides the basis for a plurality ofembodiments of a new and useful card game providing the player theknowledge and insight to the games variables and courses.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE SUBJECT INVENTION

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for acomputer-based game of chance, such games being available on theInternet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwisebased for access to play, with said game having means to share gamewinnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his orher discretion, with said format means comprising a computer basedprogram that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion ofthe winnings of a player to a charity or other viable organization.Additionally or alternately the program permits a method of allocating aportion of any sum of money from any type of financial transaction as anindividual elects to charity.

According to the present invention, the subject invention is a methodand apparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique bettingformat and betting payout. The unique betting format adapts itself to adifferential format of betting with several different winnings payoutbetting formats, with the object of this gaming method to provideplayers in a multi-player game or a single player format to provide abetting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on a given gameof chance, is given the option to divert all or part of the payoutamount to a charitable organization or other entity or individual, andto this end, the game software will be supplemental with programmingsoftware, interfaced to the main game software that provides means toactivate a partial or whole payout of any earning to a designatedcharity, entity or individual. This method can be used in conjunctionwith any business or financial transaction wherein the transactioninvolves the payment or interchange of funds.

In view of the foregoing, the following are objects of the subjectinvention.

It is an object of the subject system to provide means to facilitate afair and equitable method of allocating earnings in a game of chance toa charitable organization or other types of organizations;

It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improvedmeans to maximize the equities in the play of casino game or games ofchance;

A further object of the subject invention is to provide an improvedmethod to provide on-line games, including means to allocate earnings toa charity or other organization as designated by a player from a givenlist, or other entities;

Yet another aspect of the subject invention is to provide an improvedsystem for competitive card game play using existing computer-basedon-line means with pre-formatted on-line games or other games to allowthe player to elect to share earnings with a charity or otherorganization as the player elects;

Moreover, it is an object of this invention to provide a means that canbe used on the Internet to provide on-line competitive games in which aportion of the earnings are allocated to a charity designated by aplayer, or one from a list provided by the game sponsor or owner;

It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improvedon-line system for a competitive game or other similar card gamesutilizing a generated game format at a game station to designate acharity to share any winnings of a player;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved methodfor providing linked on-line game in which the player will be able toallocate a portion of the earnings to a charity or other organization;

Still another object is to provide computer based methodology combinedto provide a novel way to share earnings in a game of chance;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide means ormethodology to permit an individual involved in any financial ormonetary transaction as a recipient or payer of funds to allocate suchfunds to an organization or charity;

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a computergenerated game format that is equitable to the individual player andprovides some means to apprise the player of the odds of winning in anygame situation;

Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparentfrom reading the description taken in conjunction with the claims.

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for acomputer-based game of chance, such games being available on theInternet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwisebased for access to play, with said game having means to share gamewinnings with a charitable organization, as the player deems in his orher discretion, with said format means comprising a computer basedprogram that permits a voluntary selection of allocating a portion ofthe winnings of a player to a charity.

According to the present invention, the focus herein is on a method andapparatus for playing a game of chance game with a unique betting formatand betting payout as disclosed. The unique betting format adapts itselfto a differential form of allocating earnings to any responsible personor entity as selected by the game player. As such, several differentbetting formats have been developed in this context to allocateearnings.

In this invention, the object of this gaming method is to provide meansto allow players in a multi-player game or a single player format toprovide a betting method by which a participant who wins a payout, on agiven game of chance, is given the option to divert all or part of thepayout amount to a charitable organization or other entity or person,and to this end, the game software will be supplemental to the gameprogramming software, annexed to and interfaced to the main gamesoftware and provides means to activate a partial or whole payout of anyearning to a select charity or other person or entity.

The subject invention is generally based on an electronic based game ofchance comprising means to permit a player to share any earnings with acharitable group, using various based selection means to choose acharity to participate in such earnings. In the subject gameprogramming, based on a specific format, the following general steps areinvolved in one of several embodiments of the steps designated below:

a. Initially the participating players or player pays a deposit orcredits to play the game, that is to start the game, which is governedby a master game play program.

b. As an additional step in the computer program for the subject game ofchance, a supplemental computer program, as incorporated in the CentralProcessing. Unit is provided with a supplemental program listing variouscharitable groups that may be the object of shared earnings from whichthe player selects which charity to any shared earnings are directed.

c. Alternately, the next step in the program sequence is the game playerselects a charity or other organization or other entity to which anyearnings are to be shared or directed by selecting on the same console.

d. The next step is for the player to select a percentage of theearnings to be allocated to a charity by signaling on the console meansto determine what percentage is given to a charity or other entity.

e. At this point the program will generate a standard or automatic betdisplay amount shown on a visual indicator on the screen, along with thecharity, with a display indicating the amount, percentage that will beallocated to a charity or other entity.

f. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the abovementioned requirements, then the game progresses to the next game levelsas the main game program dictates.

g. At a point in the games whereby any winnings are promulgated, thesupplementary program, based on the percentage selected by the play willsignify earning amounts diverted to the charity or other entity.

h. The ensuing step in the program sequence, the remaining share ofwinnings of the play and amounts paid to the player will be by cash,credits, or other means.

i The actual player may cash out his winnings on the game or elect toretain a credit for further game play.

j. The supplemental computer program will then generate a record of theshared earnings for the designated charity or other organization to bepaid.

k. The computer format will reveal a share and information that willdetail credit to chances of the name of the charity or otherorganization and provide a printout as a receipt to the player;

l. The computer format will link with casino accounting and reportingsoftware to report donations made by a specific player for internalrecord keeping purposes.

m. The computer format will link with casino accounting and reportingsoftware to report donations made by a specific player for recordkeeping purposes.

In the above perspective, areas of the virtual board layout on thedisplay screen of the game console comprise predetermined areas thatwill display such payment and charity or other organization information.

Moreover, the subject invention may also include a menu and format fordetermining whether the player electing to share his earnings, byaccompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game inreal time between actual players participating separately from differentsites, or playing such games as the only actual player against the houseso that each separate player can designated a charity or otherorganization for receiving all or part of any earnings either separatelyand/or confidentially.

In the main or specifically directed game format and for other gameformats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics couldoptionally apply:

1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice froma menu of various charities displayed on the screen, with each gameformat menu setting forth instructions to enable the participant toselect a particular charity.

2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable,which is the program which may be designated as R (for a file number ona particular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memory,by which a player will be identified by such code and wherein such codewill provide access to potential credit on any game, and which code mayincorporate memory elements for the pre-designated charity or otherorganization, and a pre-determined percentage of all game winnings to beallocated to such charity for such individual until another variable isentered or the processing program is exited or erased for thatparticipant. The persistence of this unique or personal code R permitsan individual participant to continue play of one or more games and beprovided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gainaccess to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with apre-played game preference ready at hand at the participant'sdiscretion, and as stated, along with his or her charitable designationand fixed percentage. This variable serves as a base for all futureInternet or game site gameplay for such new client, including for suchnew client all documented information ready at hand in the softwareprogram with the headings and designation of the client's history andgame preferences, as well as betting preference and charity preferences.In some instances certain incentives may optionally be made available toa previous player for his or her total history of participation, ormaintained for overall comparison of winning percentages compared toother participants, as seen in video game play in some circumstances.

The program could also optionally incorporate a database for a multiplenumber of game categories which can instantly be displayed to give theplayer an overview of games that are available in the system, along withthe probability factors involved with each game.

A given game program could optionally track the participants play, andmay be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage of thegame as to chance or chances of drawing certain cards, and otherrelevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailinghand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not bebased on given game's progress and comparison to the ongoing odds ofprevailing relative to other players whether actual or real.

Another embodiment of the invention may be at the inception of a gameentry, the program creates additional files in addition to the database,to generate at the participants request the rules and instruction forany type of game play, so that a player who may elect to play differentgames, will be able to peruse a display for any given game. The softwareprogram could automatically display such data for a minimum time periodand the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she hasread the instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestallgame play until such instructions and probability schedules for a givengame are read and indicated so in the programming format.

It is further stressed and re-emphasized that the foregoing sharingprocess with an organization as to any monetary transaction, wherein thepayment or recipient of funds in any such business or consumer can beutilized to pass a percentage of the winnings of the transaction toothers can be utilized. In this latter perspective, such as in ordinarymonetary transaction wherein one is to received funds, such aswithdrawals from a bank.

In this game format, the following steps may be used to implement theobjectives thereof:

1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to playthe game, that is to start the game.

The subject invention may also include a menu and format for othersimilar card games involving a single player or a plurality of playersfrom various dispersed locations all participating in a single game, inwhich standard gaming formats are set forth on a menu, such menuproviding the user a series of potential games for instant play whichcan be used as a base guide for the player, with such menu havingaccompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a given game inreal time between actual players participating separately from differentsites, or playing such games as the only actual player against thehouse, with or without competing virtual or actual players.

In the main or specifically directed game format and for other gameformats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics couldoptionally apply:

1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice froma menu of various card games displayed on the screen, with the menusetting forth instructions to enable the participant to select aparticular game mode, utilizing the screen instructions.

2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable,which is the program may be designated as R (for a file number on aparticular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memoryuntil another variable is entered or the processing program is exited orerased for that participant. The persistence of this variable R permitsan individual participant to continue play of one or more games and beprovided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gainaccess to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with apre-played game preference ready at hand at the participant'sdiscretion. This variable serves as a base for all future Internet orgame site gameplay for such new client, including for such new clientall documented information ready at hand in the software program withthe headings and designation of the client's history and gamepreferences, as well as betting preference. In some instances certainincentives may optionally be made available to a previous player for hisor her total history of participation, or maintained for overallcomparison of winning percentages compared to other participants, asseen in video game play in some circumstances.

3. The program could also optionally incorporate a database for amultiple number of game categories which can instantly be displayed togive the player an overview of games that are available in the system,along with the probability factors involved with each game.

4. At the inception of a game entry, the program creates additionalfiles in addition to the database, to generate at the participantsrequest the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that aplayer who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse adisplay for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, andodds for a given game play. It is anticipated in this latter regard thateventually governmental regulations will require the display of rules,procedures, and betting odds as to all Internet and game station play.The software program could automatically display such data for a minimumtime period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicatinghe or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an optionto forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedulesfor a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.

5. A given game program could optionally track the participants play,and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage ofthe game as to chance and other relevant probability data to determineones chances of prevailing or continued play.

6. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appendingprocess, the player does not need to record copies of his gaming wins orlosses.

This new method of equalizing in dealer-player advantages is, to theinventor's knowledge, somewhat original. In all games that are fair,there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player andan opponent. However, this invention is novel in that the player isgiven a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules andrisks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective onthe game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted aunique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probabilityof prevailing as each additional card is dealt. As will be shown, thismethod provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new anduseful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to thegames variables and courses.

A given game program will or can track the participants on game totalwins and losses, and may optionally provide probability data at anygiven stage of the game as to chance of drawing certain cards, theprobability of certain results and other relevant probability data.

Additionally, since all gaming actions are automatically saved by theappending process, the player does not need to retain copies of hisgaming wins or losses.

(a) games are played in succession;

(b) antes may not be required in some circumstances;

(c) a premium high odds side bet for some games can be an alternative inthe present invention allowing players a chance to recover losses.

To implement the base program in this invention, set forth below is acomputer program step format, among other possible formats, as shown inpart in the flow chart in FIG. 2 of the drawings:

-   A. Action to activate game pay-out method (Step 400 in the computer    program).-   B. Activate screen for particular game (Step 405).-   C. Start game play.-   D. Register initial ante (Step 420).-   E. Initiate charity or other organization and allocation    percentage (100) (as selected with input means on computer console    or screen or otherwise.-   F. Complete game play.-   G. Compute winnings and compute amount of share allocation to    charity or other entity based on charity designation and allocation    percentage.-   H. Player initiates donation button (with percentage) 150.-   I. Player initiates cashout 200.-   J. Cashout activates to pay player plus designated organization 220.-   K. Cashout response to casino office 250.-   L. Cashout ticket printed and provided 270.-   M. System determines credit remaining.-   N. If no credits left, total payout reported to system 350.-   O. Document printed for customer on payout data 400.

Some of the choices from the menu lead to sub-menus and some of theminitiate other subsidiary processes. This menu, as are all of thesub-menus in a computer software system and other menu choices aremacros, which operate when the user presses the alphabetic keycorresponding to the menu choice. In all of the sub-menus except theMain Menu, selecting the choice for a game will run this giving the userthe same screen as is displayed by activating the appropriate control.Most of the final game choices (in the final sub-menus) will result inthe program performing a merger function with the supplemental programfor winnings allocation for selecting and charity or other organizationand designated ratios of winning allocations.

The choices elaborated just above perform the following tasks which arefollowed with the numbers in parentheses which correspond to the numbersset forth in the computer software as seen in the flow chart at FIG. 1,as more fully stated below:

A. Runs a macro which calls up a menu called MenuAction. This menupermits the player to perform a variety of tasks in the processesdescribed above.

B. Runs a macro called GameChoice.

C. Provide a method of betting, whether arithmetic or geometric orautomatic, at which time the menus disappear and a dialogue box appearsrequesting the player to enter a game choice and betting method, whichbecomes a persistent variable XY. This macro operation pauses for theuser to enter the data for that specific case, and afterwards saves thatdate file as XYN; and also creates a file called Player Preference,which can utilize a code for ease of entry into the game and permits theplayer to use his code for selecting a charity, other entity orindividual with which earnings are to be shared.

D. The system can operate yet another macro operation referred to as aprobability generator which calculates a probability factor for havinggiven game.

E. In yet another embodiment of the subject invention, they systemincludes a method of playing a game as disclosed, comprising, a meansfor identifying an initial probability factor.

F. The system allows, as discussed below, yet another variation in whichthe player can elect to change the ratio or percentage for sharingwinnings during various betting states and additionally allow theparticipant to change the beneficiary of his allocated earnings atvarious betting stages during the game. This alternate arrangement isset forth in the tabular format set forth as Table 1, which is FIG. 3 ofthe drawings in this application.

The minimum and maximum wager may be set at any desired value. Herein,wagers and payouts will be expressed in units to provide illustrativeembodiments of the relative value of the various bets and payouts of thepresent invention. In general, these illustrative embodiments mayspecify that a player may, for example, anta a specified number of unitsand ma increase a specified number of units. As will become apparent,these illustrative embodiments may be varied. Moreover, it will beappreciated that even when a specific embodiments is chose, one player'swage may be different from another player's wager so long as each playersatisfies the ratio of the specific embodiment and any applicableminimum and maximum wager. As one example, if an embodiment provides foran ante of one unit, w bet to two units, and a maximum increase of threeunits, a first player may ante one dollar, bet two dollars, and increaseup to three dollars; a second player may ante two dollars, bet fourdollars and increase up to six dollars, provided that both player's betsare within the house minimum and maximum limits.

As will be described later, the relative amounts of wagers and payoutsshould be designed to provide for a reasonable return for the house,while providing a level and frequency of return to maintain playerinterest. It is to be understood that the player's wager may be (or mayrepresent) money, or may be points or tokens for recreational play. Itwill be appreciated that in the case of recreational play, the wagersand payouts need not be structured such that the house achieves anacceptable margin, although it is generally desirable that the odds areabout even or slightly in favor of the house to provide a competitivechallenge. It will be further be appreciated that variations may be madeto the exemplary embodiments described herein.

For example, it will be appreciated that allowing a player to increasethe bet at some decision point in the game is similar to requiring alarger initial bet and allowing the player to receive a return of aportion of the initial bet upon forfeiting at that same point. Toillustrate this, a first embodiment may require an ante of one unit andmay allow a raise of one unit at a given pint. A second embodiment mayrequire an ante of two units and allow a player to forfeit at the samepoint and receive one unit upon forfeit. The two embodiments are similarinasmuch as in the event the player loses, the loss may be only a singleunit in both (assuming that the player in the second embodiment forfeitsat the decision point). Of course, one difference is that in the firstembodiment where the increase is optional, the player can continueplaying without betting more than the initial one unit wager, whereas inthe second embodiment the player must have two units at risk to continueplaying past the decision point. As a further illustration, a thirdembodiment that would be equivalent to the second embodiment, but thatwould have an increase in place of the unit returned upon forfeitprocess as follows: the player antes one unit. At the given point, theplayer must increase by one unit to continue. If the player chooses notto increase, the player is deemed to have forfeited and loses the anteof one unit.

In any event, the foregoing is meant to illustrate the various methodsof wagering, and is not meant to be limiting as to the number of unitsfor, or presence or absence of, ante, bet, optional increase, requiredincrease, and return upon forfeit. Nor should it be implied that onlyone such wagering method can be used at a given point. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments of the invention are described using a methodwherein the player initially places a plurality of units in differentsquares (some of which units may be returned at various points uponforfeit), it will be appreciated that in nay embodiment of theinvention, any combination of one or more of: required increase,optional increase, portion of the bet returned upon forfeiting can beused at any decision point.

For example in a game of Texas Holden Poker, if the dealer deals orturns face up River card and the dealer's face down card. The finalhands now consists of the two face down cards (for each player) withcards for the dealer together with the three common cards of the flop.The dealer determines winning and losing hands by using the earliermentioned standard poker hand rankings to compare each player's hand tothe dealer's hand, utilizing the best five cards in each hand. A handthat has beaten the dealer's hand is referred as a winning hand, andthat such point there is a payout at this point a percentage of winningsfor players are diverted by physical chip diversion or by computerassistance from the game table.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a winning hand (oralternatively any hand (winning or not) that remains in play until theend of the game) may also win a “bonus” payout based upon the player'shand according to a payout table that may, for example, specify a returnas a ration of the player's bet. The bonus can start at any level ofhand (for example, a bonus payouts may be paid for hands of three of akind or better) and may increase for increasing level of hands. Thepayout can be based on any portion or all of the player's bet. Forexample, the bonus payout can be based on only the original bet, or onto original bet and any increased during the game, and paymentdiversions or sharing of any winnings can be consummated at this eventjuncture.

Additionally, in one further example, each folded hand, in a poker hand,that had a high hand bet placed (referred to as a “high hand bet winninghand”) is paid out according to a payout table, which may be similar tothe above described bonus payout table for winning hands that have notfolded, but may have different putout ratios, if desired. As with thebonus payout, there is preferable some minimum level of hand at whichthe payout starts, and the ratio may increase for higher level hands. Inan embodiment having the high hand bet, there may be an additionalrequirement that the player utilizes at least one of the player'sindividual cards to make the winning hand (i.e. the hand is not formedsolely from the common cards) for a payout. If desired, this requirementmay be imposed for some payouts (e.g. higher level winning hands such asfull house or better) but not others. Furthermore, if desired, anadditional requirement may be imposed that the player must beat thedealer's hand, in addition to achieving one of the hands specified onthe payout table. At this juncture, an interim payout can be had to acharitable or other organization.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention a player whostays in all the way through the final card (in the above describedembodiment) but loses to the dealer's hand (an “unfolded losing hand”herein), may be paid for achieving a specified level of hand accordingto a payout table, which may be different from the other payout tablesdescribed above. The variations and additional requirements describedabove for the high hand bet payout may also be used in conjunction withthe unfolded losing hand payout. Once again, a sharing arrangement asdiscussed may be used.

In general, it will be appreciated that the payout amount of the presentgame can be set at an amount that achieves an acceptable margin, whileallowing for a sufficient payout amount and frequency to maintain playerinterest. Payout amounts to achieve such margin for any given embodimentcan be determined using standard mathematical methods well known tothose of skill in the art of determining odds and margin for wageringgames. Thus, the specific amounts shown are for exemplary embodiments,and should not be considered as limited to any specific embodiment.

As an alternative embodiment, as shown in Table one below, there arealternate methods which may be utilized for such pay-out process, asoutlined below.

TABLE 1 ELECT INITIAL % FOR SELECT BET STATUS ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION1 CHANGE % FOR OPTION TO CHANGE FIRST BET ORGANIZATION OR ORGANIZATIONAS MAINTAIN BENEFICIARY 2 CHANGE % FOR OPTION TO CHANGE SECOND BETORGANIATION ORGANIZATION AS BENEFICIARIES 3 CHANGE % FOR OPTION TOCHANGE THIRD BET ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION AS BENEFICIARY 4 CHANGE % FOROPTION TO CHANGE FOURTH BET ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION AS BENEFICIARY 5CHANGE % FOR FINAL PAYOUT FIFTH BET ORGANIZATION

As can be seen from the format of Table 1, a player can alter at anytime during game play his beneficiary or his or her winning percent in agame, as well as the organization intended to be the beneficiary. Aplayer having a losing session will forfeit his bet amounts, with nofunds to be paid to any organization. A printed document, including ifso elected can be used to designate, the organization receiving thewinning percentage and the amount so received. Once the playerparticipates in a game, the process set forth in the table will berepeated. It must be noted that the number of betting sequences can varyfrom the five bet sequence set forth in Table 1 (Figure)) set forthabove.

In light of the foregoing discussion, in one specific game format willbe reviewed using the subject system. The following steps may be used toimplement the objectives thereof, using a card game as an embodimentexampler, to wit.

1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to playthe game, that is to start the game. Coupled with this ante, as setforth in Table 1 (FIG. 3 of the drawing), the player can place hisinitial bet to play the game and select contemporaneously thebeneficiary organization as the percentage of any winnings to be paid tosuch organization.

2. As the next step, a deck of cards comprised of the standard fifty-twocard deck, with thirteen cards for each of the four suits, namelyhearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades is made available in the computerprogram for the subject game, and from this deck of fifty-two cards thevirtual cards are randomly arrayed in the computer program as if theyhad been properly interspersed for a random distribution of the cards,as if they were shuffled as an actual deck of cards, and thus placedrandomly virtually in the available deck in the computer program asconsummated in the Central Processing Unit of the base computer.

3. As the next step in the program sequence, cards are dealt in aprogrammatic manner from the random array of the cards as randomlyarrayed in such virtual setting in the computer program. In the usualsequential order the deal is first made as one card to each of theplayers, including the sole individual player and additional fictitiousor virtual players, and thence another card is dealt to the playersseparately as before, with a total of two cards being dealt to theindividual players, and in sequence is compliant with the usual practicethat the players' cards are dealt, either virtually or actually. Thissequence may not be followed precisely as stated above, so long as thecards that are dealt in a random order from a random array of the actualor virtual cards. More particularly, as stated above, the computerprogram uses a random number generator to stack the cards in a randomassemblage. For this purpose each of the numbered cards such as two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten are assigned theirface equivalent numbers from the random number generator with the Jackhaving an eleven designation, the Queen a twelve designation, the King athirteen designation, and the Ace a fourteen designation. Each card suitis given a prefix, number to further this purpose, such as a prefix oftwo for hearts, three for spades, four for diamonds, and five for clubs.Thus, as an example, the Jack of clubs would be assigned any designatednumber in the random number generator format. This particularassignation of numbers is only relevant to the process of generating arandom array of cards and is not used for any other purpose. In thisprocess the players, including the fictitious or virtual players areassured of an unbiased dealing process. Further in this initial draw,two cards dealt to each virtual player, as opposed to the actual player,are dealt and displayed face-down as represented on the display screenso that the actual player is unaware of the cards dealt or assigned tothe virtual players, while the actual player's cards are dealt face-upfor immediate and constant viewability on the display screen during gameplay.

4. Once the actual player can see his two cards and thus knowing theirpotential values from a poker perspective, a betting interval arises,and the actual player can bet solely on the force of his two cards, notknowing what the community cards are or what the other players have intheir hands. At this point, a further round of betting occurs and againthe player participant can change his or her designated organizationand/or the percentage to be so allocated potential winnings to suchorganization.

5. The next step in the process is for the computer program to deal orassign the initial array of community cards namely three cards. Thefirst step is the revelation of three community cards as shown on thedisplay screen, as arbitrarily placed on such screen. In this positionon the screen, the three community cards initially revealed are commonlyreferred to in poker genre as the flop. Moreover, the betting processagain comprises and as shown in FIG. 3, the participant can vary orchange the beneficiary organization and/or the percentage to beallocated.

6. Once the initial deal is made of the three community cards asoutlined in the above steps, the actual player, when viewing the screen,can now assess his own two cards, as shown on the screen, andconcurrently the actual player can observe the three community cardsdisplayed. In over-viewing the two cards in the actual player's hand inconjunction with the three community cards, the player can assess thestrength of a five card poker hand using a combination of his two cardsand the three community cards. At this point the program will generate astandard or automatic bet amount shown on a visual indicator on thescreen as the “current bet”, the minimum additional bet to stay in thegame. The actual player can increase the minimum bet up to anypredetermined or limited or yet unlimited amount, depending on the gameformat. However, the minimum bet amount must be tendered in order toremain in the game. Alternately, the player can elect to fold and leavethe game at this juncture of the game. Once again, the betting processagain comprises and as shown in FIG. 3, the participant can vary orchange the beneficiary organization and/or the percentage to beallocated.

7. If the player remains in the game, the next sequential step generatedby the master software program is to deal, in a virtual sense, anadditional or fourth community card and thus reveal on the screen suchadditional community card as displayed in the community card position onthe screen, generally aligned next to the three initial community cards.As indicated, this additional card provides a fourth card for thecommunity card array, all openly displayed. At this point the actualplayer, upon seeing this fourth card, can further determine theadditional viability, if any, of his hand for a five card array usingany three of the four displayed community cards along with his twocards. Again at this point, the player can fold by pressing the foldindicator and the game terminates. Once the fold indicator has beenactivated the game is terminated in the computer programming sequence.If the player elects to stay in the game and at least comply with theminimum betting requirements, he will press the bet indicator at the newminimum bet amount which is automatically increased through the computerprogram to a new level. Additionally at this point, the player can optto increase the bet by pressing a bet increase indicator. Once again,the betting process again comprises and as shown in FIG. 3, theparticipant can vary or change the beneficiary organization and/or thepercentage to be allocated.

8. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the abovementioned betting requirements then the game progresses to the nextlevel, and at final community card, commonly referred to as the river,is dealt and displayed at the community card display position for atotal of five community cards.

9. At this latter juncture with five community cards now displayed, theactual player can elect to exit the game based on an assessment of hisor her two cards in conjunction with any three of the five communitycards displayed, but not knowing up to this point what two cards aredealt to each of the other virtual players, who are passively involvedin the game format. With the new minimum bet amount set, as stated, anautomatic amount generated through the computer program, the player canelect to fold, and the game is stopped. If the player elects to stay, hecan upon seeing the fifth community card elect to play at the minimumbet or increase the bet, as based on what the actual player perceives ashis chances as a winning poker hand versus the unknown hands of thefictitious players, again using his two displayed cards in conjunctionwith any three of the community cards. At this point, the winningallocation can be used again, as described.

10. At this point, if the player elects to stay in the game after thefifth community card has been dealt, the computer program will reveal onthe display screen the face sides of the two cards of each of thevirtual or fictitious players to allow the actual player to see theother players' competitive cards vis-a-vis the community cards, with thebetting format allocated as set forth above.

11. The ensuing step in the program sequence in the Central ProcessingUnit, is to compare the value of the respective hands of the fourfictitious players or whatever number of fictitious players verses theactual player using a valuation process that compares the hierarchy ofhands. If a hand of a fictitious player has a higher value than that ofthe actual player, the actual player loses the game. On the other hand,if the actual player's hand is of a higher value than those of the handsof the virtual players, the actual player wins and collects the bet. Insome game formats a system of lesser or reduced winnings could beimplemented if the actual player's hand places second or third orwhatever place deemed feasible under the circumstances. At thisjuncture, there is a final betting process and a player can make a finaldetermination of the percentage to be allocated to an organization.

12. As a final step the actual player may cash out his winnings on thegame or elect to retain a credit for further game play, and or allocateall or a portion of the winnings to a given charity or otherorganization.

Stated alternatively, for example, the game play format in a TexasHoldem poker game, using a computer-generated format for a means to playsuch game, can include the following steps more simply stated asfollows:

-   -   a) Game display screen shows a plurality of virtual players and        an actual player with two cards on the screen, face-down for        each virtual player, and the cards face-up for the actual        player, although more or less cards can be dealt to the virtual        and actual players.    -   b) The actual game player has two cards dealt face-up on the        screen.    -   c) The total initial bet can be any predetermined amount to        start the game play.    -   d) The actual player starts the game with a stated credit ante,        which is mandatory to start the game play.    -   e) The actual player can fold or bet to see the three card flop,        or as stated otherwise the three initial community cards.    -   f) The actual player has the option to fold or bet at least the        minimum amount to observe the turn card dealt, that is the        fourth community card.    -   g) The actual player can elect to fold or bet further to see the        river card dealt, that is the fifth community card.    -   h) All cards of each of the virtual players are revealed at the        time of a fold or after the community cards are dealt.    -   i) Once the actual player folds and all the players' cards are        revealed, if the actual player's cards show that he would have        won the hand, the actual player could be credited back his        credits played, with concomitant sharing of bets, as discussed        above.

In this version of Texas Holdem Poker the game is formatted on a videoscreen so it may represent approximately a game board on which cards arelaid as dealt, as is commonly used in casinos, with the game boardlayout being marked out with an area constituted by at least two or moreareas, in the form of one or more geometric shapes, situated directly infront of the dealer, such demarcated areas being so structured andoptimally located for placing the community cards. The other areas ofthe virtual board layout on the display screen comprise predeterminedareas to lay the cards for the fictitious players face-down and thecards of the actual player face-up, in addition to signaling indicatorsfor betting, for folding, or commencement of play, among other signalingindicators.

The subject invention may also include a menu and format for othersimilar card games involving a single player or a plurality of playersfrom various dispersed locations all participating in a single cardgame, in which standard gaming formats are set forth on a menu, suchmenu providing the user a series of potential card games for instantplay which can be used as a base guide for the player, with such menuhaving accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a givengame in real time between actual players participating separately fromdifferent sites, or playing such card games as the only actual playeragainst the house, with or without competing virtual or actual players.

In the main or specifically directed game format and for other gameformats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics couldoptionally apply:

1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice froma menu of various card games displayed on the screen, with the menusetting forth instructions to enable the participant to select aparticular game mode, utilizing the screen instructions.

2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoingsemi-permanent percentage for allocation of winnings and also with asemi-permanent selected organization with there to share earning allwith the usage of the above described format or sharing winnings with acharity or other organization, which is the program may be designated asR (for a file number on a particular client, subject, etc.) whichremains in the program memory until another variable is entered or theprocessing program is exited or erased for that participant. Thepersistence of this variable R permits an individual participant tocontinue play of one or more games and be provided quick eligibility orcredit, in some circumstances, to gain access to an on-line game, onceso previously registered, with a preplayed game preference ready at handat the participant's discretion, while automatically pays a percentageof earning to a designated organization. This variable serves as a basefor all future Internet or game site gameplay for such new client,including for such new client all documented information ready at handin the software program with the headings and designation of theclient's history and game preferences, as well as betting preference. Insome instances certain incentives may optionally be made available to aprevious player for his or her total history of participation, ormaintained for overall comparison of winning percentages compared toother participants, as seen in video game play in some circumstances.

3. The program could also optionally incorporate a database for amultiple number of card game categories which can instantly be displayedto give the player an overview of games that are available in thesystem, along with the probability factors involved with each game.

4. At the inception of a game entry, the program creates additionalfiles in addition to the database, to generate at the participantsrequest the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that aplayer who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse adisplay for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, andodds for a given game play and the code R designated above can be makeapplicable to any game played by the modular at a given casino or otherplace.

5. It is anticipated in this latter regard that eventually governmentalregulations will require the display of rules, procedures, and bettingodds as to all Internet and game station play. The software programcould automatically display such data for a minimum time period and theparticipant will mark or enter a symbol indicating he or she has readthe instructions. Until so, there could be an option to forestall gameplay until such instructions and probability schedules for a given gameare read and indicated so in the programming format.

6. A given game program could optionally track the participants play,and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage ofthe game as to chance or chances of drawing certain cards, and otherrelevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailinghand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not bebased on cards dealt to other players or actual or real.

7. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appendingprocess, the player does not need to record copies of his gaming wins orlosses, sharing data, since this data will be recorded.

This new method of equalizing in dealer-player advantages is, to theinventor's knowledge, somewhat original. In all games that are fair,there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player andan opponent. However, this invention is novel in that the player isgiven a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules andrisks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective onthe game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted aunique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probabilityof prevailing as each additional card is dealt. As will be shown, thismethod provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new anduseful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to thegames variables and courses.

Each player who continued against the house by placing a “flop” bet,will have his best five card hand compared to the house table winningschedule corresponding pay-offs schedule and probability factors.Essentially, a player having a losing session will forfeit his betamounts, with no funds to be paid to any organization. The house willreceive a printed document, including if so elected, the organizationreceiving the winning and the amount so received. Once the playerparticipates in a given game, the process set forth in Table 1 (FIG. 3)will be repeated.

Once all wagers have been settled for each player, the Dealer can findthe highest value five card poker hand among all players and award thatplayer all combined original pot bets. In the event of players holdingidentical hands the combined Pot bets can be shared by the winningplayers.

1: A process of playing a game of chance in an electronic system using acomputer program format with certain elements of said game beingdisplayed on a computer generated visual display comprising: (a)initiating participation in the game play, with the game commencing by adisplay of basic symbols and data of the game on a computer screen asgoverned by said computer program; (b) once the player observes the gameprocess, he may enter a bet or fold or discontinue play; (c) initiategame play; (d) calculation of winning or losses in such game play; (e)selection by the player of (1) a percentage of any winnings to begranted to a third party other than the player (2) selection to thirdparty for winning allocation; (f) calculating through said computerprogram the amount of any winnings by the player in said game bymultiplying said selected percentage of winners times the playerswinnings, if any; (g) generating payment to third party; (h) grantingcredit to the player for net winnings after deduction of allocation tothe selected third party; (i) closing game play. 2: A process of playinga game of chance in an electronic system using a computer program formatwith certain elements of said game being displayed on a computer generalvisual display comprising: once the player observes the game process, hemay enter a bet or fold or discontinue play; initiate game play;calculation of winning or losses in such game play;\ selection by theplayer of a third party to receive a portion of the winnings of saidplayer and a percentage of any winnings to be granted; calculatingthrough said computer program the amount of any winnings by the playerin said game by multiplying said selected percentage of winners timesthe players winnings, if any; generating payment to third party;granting credit to the player for net winnings after deduction ofallocation to the selected third party. 3: A process of playing a gameof chance in an electronic system using a computer program format withcertain elements of said game being displayed on a computer generalvisual display comprising: initiate game play; calculation of winning orlosses in such game play; selection by the player of a third party toreceive a portion of the winnings of said player and a percentage of anywinnings to be granted to said third party; calculating through saidcomputer program the amount of any winnings by the player in said gameby multiplying said selected percentage of winners times the playerswinnings, if any; generating payment to third party; granting credit tothe player for net winnings after deduction of allocation to theselected third party.